Christ’s Body

Scripture Reading — Mark 14:12-26

Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.”
— Mark 14:22

As
a little girl, Olesya often observed holy communion at her
grandmother’s church. As a young adult, though, she drifted away
from the religious life of her grandmother. But somehow she was still
interested in what communion was all about. She called our radio
talk-show to find out more about the sacrament. During the
conversation I had a chance not only to ­respond to her questions
but also share the gospel of Jesus with her.

The
sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is a time for thanksgiving. We
gather around the Lord’s table to be vividly reminded of what Jesus
did on our behalf.

During
his last supper with his disciples Jesus used vivid images—bread
and wine. Bread is still a popular food item in Middle Eastern
cuisine—and around the world. After giving thanks to God, Jesus
broke the bread. It’s a profoundly symbolic act pointing to his
upcoming death on the cross. Then he gave the pieces of bread to his
disciples: “Take it; this is my body.” The bread is a symbol of
his body, broken for us.

This
is the gospel story in a nutshell. When we participate in the Lord’s
Supper, we are still offered the bread that points us to Jesus’
body. We are encouraged to turn to him and partake in his sacrifice
for us with ­humility and thanksgiving.

Prayer

Father, thank you for your Son’s body that was ­broken for us. Remind us daily of what Jesus did for us on the cross. In his name we pray. Amen.